Azamara Quest Explores Greece and Turkey
Azamara Quest - R Class Ship 7
Launched May 2000 - 686 Passengers and 408 Crew.
Under normal circumstances we book our own air travel to join a cruise ship, normally traveling the day before, which reduces the Will We – Won’t We make the ship on time. On this occasion we opted for the Azamara flights inclusive deal, meaning we had to leave home at some ungodly hour to make it to Heathrow by about 4.30am. Although the flight departed at 7.30, with the time difference and flight to Athens we got to the ship a little late from the airport, probably one of the last groups to arrive, but embarkation was very swift and efficient, we were ushered to the Cabaret Lounge for muster drill.
Thank goodness we were too late for lunch. We just made it on deck in time for the Sail away party. We were pleasantly surprised to find a sail away buffet offering all sorts of tasty nibbles. The band was playing and the Officers circulating among the passenger. What’s not to like as we set sail for traveling
twelve glorious but very hot days on Azamara Quest, visiting Greece and Turkey.
Quite a few surprises along the way, most of the ports were new to use the first being Monemvasia, which is often called the Gibraltar of Greece, but to my mind was much prettier than the British Rock.
MONEMVASIA
GREEK ROCK OF GIBRALTAR
We realised why it was so called. We arrived early in the morning and not being on deck for arrival our first impression was “Not Much here”.It was a tender port, but it was pretty calm. Everything is within walking distance, although there was a shuttle bus for those less able.
Walking to the fortified town we first encountered the graveyard. Second only to San Tropez for the view of your final resting place.
As you enter the fortifications through the ancient castle gate, you are transported back to medieval times. Of course, no traffic can enter, and everything must be wheeled to the shops, bars, and restaurants. Must be a nightmare for the local traders. The people were friendly and one charming girl in the postcard shop persuaded us that we must walk to the top if the rock, so to speak. So, we did, well at least two-thirds of the way to the ancient Church that during Ottoman rule had been converted into a mosque.
The steps to the top of the upper town were cobbled marble we thought the struggle up was difficult, but coming down was another story.
SANTORINI
Yes, I had always wanted to visit and was not disappointed. Before setting sail on Azamara Quest, I had done a little research and discovered that there were two possibilities to get from the tender landing point up to the town, one was walking up the very steep and slippery steps covered with donkey poo. Yes, you could take a rather smelly donkey. The alternative was to take the cable car to the top. But beware sometimes there are five of six large cruise ships in harbour dumping thousands of passengers on the dock. Oh, my goodness we were so lucky, only our ship and the Ritz Carlton Yacht in port today, we had 450 passengers, and the other ship had around 350. We walked to the cable car and were first to board, no waiting and we were at the top in no time.
I was working on Oriana, I was determined not to miss out this time.As it happened, we visited twice.Azamara changed schedule just before sailing from Athens and we arrive over twelve hours early so that they could take us to Ephesus for their Azamazing Evening, and it lived up to its name.The whole ship (well almost) takes part in this event. We arrived by coach and were escorted a long the red carpet and welcomed with Greek wine.Not too bad at all but goblets could not be taken into the Roman Odeon, shame.
Azamazing Evening at Ephesus
Ephesus - Library of Celsus
The following morning early before the sun got too hot we headed back to the Ancient Roman city for a more detailed tour. They have so much more to discover. We had a good guide, but inevitably we had to stop off at the Turkish Carpet showroom on the way back to discover the method of Turkish carpet weaving. No, we were not tempted. But there really were some stunning carpets.
After a day in Marmaris, delightful but really very hot we arrived in Rhodes. Again, another first for us and hopefully not our last. Once you manoeuvred through the very busy and bustling streets of shops, restaurants and bars the old town is a fascinating warren of narrow streets and passageways.
Azamara Quest - White Night Party
The following night was White Night Deck Party, this was to be our fifth White Night party and on the previous four weather had spoilt the show and the party had to be moved indoors. Not so on this occasion, beautiful evening, a little windy but for the first time the party stayed on deck. We joined Janet and Paul two new cruise friends for the buffet which was followed by dancing and of course the parade of the crew to thank them for their brilliant service on board.
A Big Thank You to the Azamara Crew
Azamara crew really are amazing, it is not just promotional hype. They really care for the passengers and within a couple of days onboard they know your name and really go above and beyond to please everyone. They call it the Azamara Family and yes it really is.
Our final port of call and disembarkation port was Istanbul. I have not been to Istanbul since 1974, at that time all I seem to remember is the grid-locked traffic and the mass of humanity, I suppose that is to be expected with a population of over 15 million. At that time, I remember visiting the Blue Mosque, consequently, I was not terribly excited before arrival. However, that changed somewhat as we sailed up the Bosphorus and the panoramic city with minarets and beautiful buildings were laid out before us. We were here for a full day and overnight stay before disembarking the following morning.
The Stunning Galataport Cruise Ship Terminal - Istanbul
As we docked, WOW the most modern Cruise Ship Terminal I have ever seen. With three levels underground housing the terminal and transportation center with beautiful shops, bars, and restaurants at ground level. In the evening it is a mecca for the locals.
Now the downside of Istanbul on this visit. It was Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice which is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam was in full swing when we arrived and the city was of course busting at the seams, we walked from the Galataport Cruise Terminal to the Blue Mosque which is no mean feat in that heat. Queue upon Queue for the Mosque with an estimated 2 hour wait. At 2.00 pm the Mosque was due a service so an even longer wait was anticipated.
The Grand Bizarre and Spice Bizarre were also closed for the festival, so all three of these great attractions will have to wait for a future visit. In the evening alongside the ship the promenade was again heaving with Turks enjoying their festival.
Discoveries Restaurant - Dinner with Crusie Director Darren
Captain Johannes and his senior officers were really in evidence all around the ship. We were delighted when Cruise Direct Darren and his assistant Justin invited us to join their table for dinner, Sandra, and her daughter Helen who we had spoken to briefly were joined by Vicky and Dan a couple from Yorkshire also great fun.
On the way home in Istanbul Airport a strange happened, we were in a queue of hundreds of people for security and all six of us were stood together in that queue despite having arrived at the airport by different methods and going on different flights. I call that REALLY SPOOKY.
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